That result gave Atletico a welcome boost after a damaging 3-0 loss to Real Madrid at Vicente Calderon – a second straight league defeat which left them nine points behind their city rivals at the top of the table in sixth place.

But, speaking ahead of Sunday's away match against Osasuna, Simeone stressed domestic duties will always be Atletico's top priority – even if they are faring better in other tournaments.

"Since arriving here we have always approached every competition with the same enthusiasm," Simeone told reporters.

"The Copa del Rey has traditionally been an important competition in the history of our club. The Champions League is stimulating and up until now we had not qualified for the last 16 so regularly.